Can't log on to Computer Forum

[Coastlady]

I have used GardenWeb for years & in the last 6 mos or so, I can log on but can't access ALL forums, particularly the one I need most - the Computer Forum. I've had the same User Name and have tried new passwords. I've talked to their customer serv. adviser, sent emails, etc. They will think the problem is fixed when it isn't. If I go to the Orchid or Pond forums for example, everything works - go to the Computer forum and it doesn't no matter what I try. Any ideas how this could happen? Thanks.

[Coastlady]

Oh, sorry, forgot - I have Windows Vista Home Premium 2007, use Firefox 6.0.2 & IE 8 (I think) and using a Compaq Presario laptop.

[zep516]

What exact error message do you get, when you try and log on to the help forum at the Garden Web?

[Coastlady]

It just asks again ~ user name and password - user name space blank - password still there. I've tried uppercase, lowercase, new password and every combination you can think of and the irony is I'm logged in on other forums. It's really maddening.

[SpyDie]

What browser do you use?

[Corrine]

Hi, Ruth.

Is this when your problem started:  I'm infected (tonite) by AntiMalware Go and can't run anything?

[Corrine]

Ok, Ruth told me that was a different computer.

Ruth, have you gone the route of clearing cache and cookies with both Firefox and IE browsers?  Are you using a Hosts File program?

[Coastlady]

Uh oh...........
What's a "Hosts File program"?

[Corrine]

MVPS Hosts is an example of a Hots File program.  It adds the the URLs of "bad" sites to the Hosts file mapping the IP addresses 127.0.0.1 (home), preventing your computer from being redirected to that site.  Spybot Search & Destroy also includes an "Immunize" feature to block the installation of spyware before it occurs e.g. by modifying the hosts file.

I doubt GardenWeb is in your HOSTS File and merely included that as a possibility.  Sometimes people add sites to their HOSTS file when there has been a DNS change.  If you recall doing that, you can check your HOSTS file for gardenweb.

To access the HOSTS file with Windows XP, navigate C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. right-click and select to open with Notepad.  With Windows Vista or Windows 7, do the following:

• Click Start
• Click All Programs
• Click Accessories
• Right-click Notepad, and then click Run as administrator, accepting the UAC prompt.
• Navigate to the HOSTS file located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. right-click and select to open with Notepad.

Search the results for ths.gardenweb.com.  If found, delete. 

Have you tried accessing the site with both Firefox and IE?  You didn't indicate if you cleared cache and cookies of both browsers.